Think beyond yourself

I have seen something similar to this in the past, but I think that those of us in the Williston area especially, need a reminder to look beyond ourselves right now.

We are living in changing times.  Our area has had a great influx of people from all over the country.  Our region has given them a glimmer of hope in a national economy that has resulted in desperation. As we go throughout our day, try to think about those you come in contact with and how you treat them, because maybe….just maybe….

That family holding a sign asking for help just spent the last money that they had to buy food.  A month ago, they were fine.  Now they are trying to figure out how to survive.  The nice vehicle that they have is one of the remnants of their former existence.

That lady that you were rude to in the aisle with Christmas decorations is trying to figure out how to make the camper that her family is living in a little more festive.  This is their first Christmas without a house to decorate.

That teenager that you became impatient with at the checkout line is thinking about how he is going to get his homework done during his break because he has to work until 11:00 tonight.  There aren’t enough workers so he is working an 8 hour shift everyday right after school.

The woman you honked at because you didn’t think she was driving fast enough was fighting back tears at the thought of spending Christmas alone for the first time this year and was trying to be safe.

That young lady at the fast food joint that you yelled at because she messed up your order gives her paycheck to her parents to help cover the rent. 

The overweight girl that you made fun of at the store was buying things to kill herself because she can’t handle the teasing anymore.

The man that you looked down on because he was dirty just finished a long shift on the rigs.  This is his only chance to buy something to send to his kids.  He doesn’t know when he’ll get to see them again because he can’t find a place for them to live.

The young lady that you called a slut knows that when she gets home, there is someone there waiting to sexually abuse her…again.

Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.
Leo Buscaglia